Bafetimbi Gomis has jetted off on holiday – with instructions to his agent to secure a move by the time he returns in July.

Newcastle have been heavily linked with a move for the striker but the Chronicle understands that United have identified other targets as a priority, including strikers in Germany, France and Holland. Gomis is seen as an alternative option if those moves don’t come off.

United have spoken to Gomis’ representatives on several occasions this summer but his wage demands remain a huge sticking point for all interested parties. Newcastle see him as having little re-sale value.

United officials believe that his representatives are trying to drum up the best deal for the forward and while they are interested in the forward, they are not likely to commit to the sort of financial package that saw them rule themselves out of the race last summer.

Gomis is keen to move to England but is taking a hands-off role when it comes to negotiations. He told French media: “I will speak in due course. For now, what I need most of all is a holiday. Lots of clubs have expressed an interest in me.”

Newcastle desperately need to sign more front line strikers, despite Papiss Cisse’s recovery progressing better than anticipated. He tweeted a picture of his knee with the caption “rehab going well”.